The electrolysis of concentrated potassium bromide (KBr) solution leads to the formation of two new solutions in the electrolytic vessel. These solutions are potassium hydroxide (KOH) and bromine (Br2).
During electrolysis, the positive electrode (anode) attracts negatively charged ions (anions) while the negative electrode (cathode) attracts positively charged ions (cations). In the case of concentrated potassium bromide solution, the following reactions occur:
At the anode: 2Br^-(aq) -> Br2(g) + 2e^-
Bromide ions (Br^-) lose electrons and form bromine gas (Br2) at the anode.
At the cathode: 2H2O(l) + 2e^- -> H2(g) + 2OH^-(aq)
Water molecules (H2O) gain electrons and produce hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH^-) at the cathode.
As a result, the new solutions present in the electrolytic vessel after the electrolysis process are potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and bromine (Br2).